Local wrestler Cameron McKay sets sights on Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games

Cameron McKay is working towards a spot at the 2020 Commonwealth Games after making the Team Scotland long list

Cameron McKay from Denny hopes to fulfil a life long ambition of competing at the quadrennial event next year and will take his first steps on that path next month.

The 30-year old will join up with fellow Team Scotland members and hopefuls for a one day training camp alongside other GB wrestlers in Manchester.

That will be a chance for coaches to cast an eye on the Tryst Lion’s Wrestling Club athlete and McKay says he is hoping thrive under the pressure and fulfil his dream.

“This is probably my last chance to try and make the commonwealth games,” said McKay.

" I don't want to be trying this again in another four years time.

"It’s all eyes on you and the coaches and performance teams will be casting an eye and comparing notes .

"Everything else up to this point has just been training to get here, now it really starts to accomplish that goal, the hard work starts now."

Wrestling is a family tradition for Cameron, his dad Stuart, 56, still competes at the World Veteran Championships and two of his uncles, Neil and Stephen both represented Scotland at past Commonwealth Games.

"I’ve been involved in the sport all my life, we're a family of wrestlers from Denny and my grandfather had a club based here.

"It’s pretty cool to be carrying on a family tradition, we’re all over the moon that I’ve made it on to the list.”

Understandably it has been a tough year for Cameron being unable to compete or spar but he has been keeping fit with a rigorous strength and conditioning programme and will also be entering the training camp injury free.

"I’ve been involved in Zoom training with the Scotland team and been doing lots of running and weight training.

"It’s been relentless but it’s only about 50 percent of what you need to be doing, the sparing and conditioning is important. It’s not unique to me though, most others will be in the same position.

"The mental aspect is the biggest thing, you have to overcome the pressure and be in the right head space when the bell goes.”